Bambi,
I am also one who has to keep putting something in my mouth and I'm not a big one for exercise. Still, I lost weight when I quit smoking! I just changed what I put in my mouth. Lots of water for one. I hated drinking water so I added some Crystal Light to the bottles at first and used flavored sparkling waters so they would taste like soda. Now I actually like water which is a big surprise to me!
I eat cherry tomatoes, pumpkin seeds (time consuming), and pretzels for snacks. When I really have to have something good, I eat a few peanut M&Ms. Sugar-free jello soothes the soreness you have in your throat at first after quitting smoking and tastes good.
Most smokers don't eat breakfast. This was a hard one for me. Boiled eggs and oatmeal both keep me really full in the morning so I don't feel like snacking. If you don't care that much for oatmeal like me, add dried, fresh, or thawed frozen fruits, nuts, some brown sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream. It ends up tasting like a dessert and really fills you up. In any case, some kind of breakfast will keep you from snacking in the morning.
My exercise was bending my arm to my mouth smoking a cigarette. I loathe gyms and any form of organized calisthenics. I started by parking farther away from stores and my work. Yes, I gave up my coveted front row parking spot! I would walk that short distance like a power walker swinging my arms even though it only took me a few minutes.
Then I decided to take a walk around the buildings where I work before getting in my car. I didn't have an iPod with me when I decided this so I thought I would just sing to myself. The only song I could think of was the Beverly Hillbillies song. Now listen to a story 'bout a man named Jed...
I was shocked to see how much energy I had when I got home. I could actually walk for some time without coughing and wheezing!
Quitting smoking was the hard part and you've done that! What do they say...it's like a drug addiction? A few pounds of weight won't hurt your body like smoking does. I'd like to have my house spotless but small steps...small steps.
Susan